Posts by BrianCoyDesign

ZtarrZound said
Thinking more about this, it would be REALLY great if this event could be promoted as an incentive and benefit to buyers as well as authors. How?

One idea would be in addition to a commision rate boost to all authors, run a promotion of 10-20% off of all purchases to buyers with each side (author/envato) sacrificing an equal percentage share.

For example: This years event is set to 70-30 split. A 20 % off buyer promotion would see that fall to 60-20 with the savings going to the buyer. 10% would be 65-25.

Thoughts?

-Rick

I suggested something similar to make everybody part of the party

Instad of a bundle of specific files that not everybody could find useful, I suggested a marketplace wide discount for buyers, 5 days of sales that would benefit all authors and all buyers… but thios will not happen this year, bundle is already done and all the marketing too.

wattscreative said
Yeah this is definitely a difficult one, while I’m sure there are guidelines for the reviewers to follow, I can’t help feeling that some rejections (and approvals too) result purely from the reviewers own opinions!

I don’t think a board of designers is necessary or a good thing though, it sounds elitest and potentially even more frustrating! I think the envato team generally do a great job they just need a boost in consistency and to eradicate their reviewers opinions (sounds harsh but you know what I mean)! If the file is made to their standards guidelines, unique and well put together, surely that’s all that matters – let the buyers decide if the style is right for them!

I have had feedback from reviewers that sounded entirely opinionated and in one instance completely the opposite of what I was trying to achieve with the style of the file.
I felt like saying – “OK, well you make it then and when you’re happy with it let me know and I’ll resubmit it!” Don’t get me wrong, I can take criticism and feedback and in most cases have used it to improve my file (and was warranted) but in a couple of cases I have found it seriously frustrating and have had to restrain myself. Especially when I see some of the stuff that has been deemed as satisfactory!

I think a better way could be to pass submissions through multiple reviewers who each have a vote to accept or reject and the majority rules!

I’ve changed my mind, this sounds like a much better solution. And I’ve got to say that I think 95% of the time the reviewers do get it right. But the problem with design and art in general is that it is all about opinions. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what one person likes another hates.

I agree a much better idea. And for the most part the reviewers do a great job and I appreciate feedback so this is no slam on them.

I just think that because someone can’t understand how a client would use the element isn’t enough to keep it from the marketplace. If the files are put together properly, the art is clean and meets basic guidelines float it out there. Let me as an author bring my customers here to buy it.

I know that my most purchased file on the marketplace wouldn’t make it in should it have been submitted today only because of the amount of opinion that seems to be entering into the marketplace reviews.

Just as an example while someone may like a particular style which seems to be on fire personally doesn’t mean that the marketplace should be flooded with them and exclude others. If Envato is moving towards a larger audience base then you need variety. And some purchasers may just want that illustration of a clown picking his nose for an internal newsletter (bad example). I think you get the idea.

I was looking at some of the items in the marketplace and one item in particular (which I won’t point out) had major prospective errors and made its way into the marketplace.

I know our files are checked to make sure they match up with the submission guidelines and there are many rejections to keep quality up. But sometimes I really find myself scratching my head and trying to figure out why one item makes it in and another doesn’t.

Are reviewers looking beyond structure and what appears often to be personal preference?

Should there be more transparency on items to avoid them being submitted until they meet some standards?

I think the marketplace should have an area where rejected files can be commented on and voted by the authors for submission. Basically a board of designers whom have reached a particular level of sales whom can overrule the reviewers rejection on an item (provided it matches up with the guidelines).

One thing I think people sometimes forget is the path of business. As businesses grow their overhead grows and they have to look at expanding their business model. Sometimes this can be good and other times it can inflame customers.

It has been appearing lately that the marketplaces are turning into stock houses and loosing some of their charm. In many ways I like the changes and in others not so much. We all have our opinions and no one but the company itself can determine it’s path, come what may.

I think the main concern is the same as what is being seen in crowd sourcing, devaluation of the work being done.

Some creatives make their money in customization and specialization and work hard to deliver that quality and results. Other creatives believe in the bulk approach, which is basically make many many files with just enough quality to sell them as low prices and hope for tons of sales.

Logos are the main identity of a company and come with all types of issues which IMO I don’t think this marketplace is equipped to handle at this point in time.

I do see other areas that the marketplaces could really excel in and profit from that wouldn’t have caused the anger that is coming across in this thread.

Thank you for listening to everyone and I hope the marketplaces grow and continue to meet Envatos’ business needs.